Congressman Mike Lawler has issued a scathing criticism of Governor Kathy Hochul, MTA Chair John Lieber, and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) following the launch of the controversial congestion pricing program at midnight. Calling it a “corrupt cash grab,” Lawler accused the governor and the MTA of unfairly targeting hardworking New Yorkers while ignoring deeper systemic issues.
“Kathy Hochul and her pal John Lieber at the MTA have decided that instead of fixing the rampant waste, fraud, and abuse at the MTA, they’ll tax the hell out of working New Yorkers instead,” said Lawler. “Congestion pricing is a blatant money-making scheme, and the fact that Governor Hochul is celebrating it shows how out of touch she is with the struggles of everyday New Yorkers.”
Lawler was particularly critical of John Lieber’s public celebration of the program’s launch, which included a formal sign unveiling. He described the event as a sham designed to distract from the program’s flaws and its harmful impact on commuters.
“To see John Lieber celebrating the beginning of this cash grab with a sign unveiling and pomp and circumstance shows this whole thing is a total sham,” Lawler continued. “The architect of this absurd program and the manager of the MTA’s failures celebrating this new tax on New Yorkers is appalling.”
The congressman emphasized how the program disproportionately affects essential workers, small business owners, and those who rely on driving to New York City for safety and convenience. He accused the MTA of prioritizing new revenue streams over addressing internal inefficiencies and corruption.
“It is the height of arrogance to ignore the bloat and corruption within the MTA and, by choice, move forward with punishing cops, nurses, firefighters, teachers, small business owners, and any New Yorker who’d prefer to drive in the safety of their car to New York City,” Lawler stated.
Lawler also warned of political consequences for Governor Hochul, referencing her near loss in the 2022 elections and Republican gains in New York in 2024. He expressed confidence that policies like congestion pricing would lead to her defeat in the 2026 gubernatorial race.
“Kathy Hochul has shown she’s learned nothing since her near-loss in 2022 or the gains made in New York by President Donald Trump in 2024, and that’s exactly why she’ll lose her job in November of 2026,” Lawler concluded.
The rollout of congestion pricing has sparked widespread debate, with many New Yorkers voicing frustration over the additional financial burden it places on already strained budgets. Lawler’s comments reflect growing discontent with the program and its broader implications for the city and state.